MINI in 2011: More power, more sportiness, more individuality

Subject: MINI in 2011: More power, more sportiness, more individuality 2nd February 2011, 20:47

Coming just months after the launch of the MINI Countryman and the new MINI Family, MINI has announced that the MINI Cooper SD will be the most powerful diesel variant in the MINI line-up. The new 2.0 litre/143hp available in all MINI body types – Hatch, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman will deliver more power, frugal fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

Also launching in the UK in March is a new Special Edition MINI Clubman, the MINI Clubman Hampton and a new Special Edition Hatch, the MINI Pimlico. A new Sports Pack option will add spice to the Hatch and Convertible ranges.

MINI Cooper S...with DThe MINI Cooper S name first graced the classic Mini back in 1963 and during the ensuing 48 years it has consistently been feted as the ultimate performance Mini, having won the Monte Carlo rally three times and countless other races and rallies around the globe.

It would be almost inconceivable that such an iconic heritage could ever see the valued ‘S’ tag attached to anything other than a finely-honed petrol engine with all its attendant sporting prowess. However, such is the progress made by BMW Group in developing powerful, responsive and efficient diesel units that for the first time the Cooper S badge will grace a new diesel model – the MINI Cooper SD. Not only will it be the most performance-oriented diesel MINI, the MINI Cooper SD will also feature the largest displacement power unit ever to grace the engine compartment of a MINI model in the marque’s 52 year history.

The two litre four cylinder power unit follows the design philosophy of the familiar 1.6 litre engine but produces 143hp at 4,000 rpm, almost 28 per cent more than the Cooper D and nearly 60 per cent above that of the One D. Unsurprisingly its power, allied to a mighty torque figure of 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) from 1,750 to 2,700 rpm, the highest torque value of any MINI engine, even the engines within the John Cooper Works family, endows the Cooper SD with vivid performance: in the case of the Hatch a top speed of 134mph and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.1 seconds.

Efficient gruntThe new diesel engine features an all-aluminium crankcase to keep weight down while a special and very powerful turbocharger with variable intake geometry is controlled by the engine management system to deliver mighty thrust at all engine speeds. However, this new engine does not sacrifice efficiency on the altar of performance. The common-rail direct injection system features solenoid valve injectors in the centre of the cylinder head that inject each precise dose of fuel at a pressure of up to 1,600 bar. But this parsimonious technology is only the beginning because all five MINI Cooper SD models are equipped with the full panoply of MINIMALISM technology to eke ever more miles from every precious litre of diesel.

The MINIMALISM features include Brake Energy Generation, Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and demand-based ancillaries such as the alternator. The result is nothing short of miraculous. While the MINI Cooper SD Hatch will whizz effortlessly up the Col de Turini above Monte Carlo, it sips fuel at the rate of 65.7 mpg on the EU cycle and emits a mere 114 grams of CO2. This secures a zero VED rate and a company car benefit tax rate of 13% including the 3% diesel surcharge.

SD Model

Top Speed

0-62 mph

Consumption (mpg combined)

Emissions

OTR Price

Hatch

134 mph

8.1 secs

65.7 mpg

114 grams

£18,750

Clubman

134 mph

8.6 secs

64.2 mpg

115 grams

£19,790

Convertible

130 mph

8.7 secs

62.8 mpg

118 grams

£21,130

Countryman

123 mph

9.3 secs

61.4 mpg

122 grams

£21,970

Countryman ALL4

121 mph

9.4 secs

57.6 mpg

130 grams

£23,190

All Cooper SD models are equipped as standard with a new super light six speed manual gearbox. The 22.8 kilo transmission is the lightest gearbox of its kind and offers well-matched ratios and a precise, short shift gear lever action. A six speed automatic transmission is available as an option and includes shift paddles on the steering wheel for auto drivers with a sporty inclination.

The new diesel engine features the same torque steer management software which was added to the petrol portfolio in September last year.

A suit of clothes to suit an SComplementing the performance potential of the MINI Cooper SD models some distinctive design features adorn the new cars. Echoing the distinctive style of the MINI Cooper S all SD models display a front apron with an extra large air intake and the familiar air scoop on the bonnet. At the rear each SD model sports twin exhaust tailpipes exiting in the centre of the rear apron and an eye-catching roof spoiler. Also in traditional Cooper S style, the side indicator surrounds carry the SD motif.

New MINI Sport PackThe John Cooper Works models have long offered the pinnacle of MINI performance and excitement for sport-oriented drivers. From April 2011 a Sports Pack, closely aligned to the JCW models is available for all models of the MINI Hatch and Convertible to enhance exterior and interior individual style and offer more dynamic driving responses.

Each Sport Pack is equipped with a special aerodynamic package that includes a unique front and rear apron with black detailing, horizontal slats on the fog lamp surrounds and a honeycomb mesh over the main air intake. The rear apron also features prominent sculpting at the outer edges while sweeping, curved side skirts continue the sporting theme.

The Sport Pack comes with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (ELDC) to complement the standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. DTC allows more wheel slip before the electronics intervene to allow the driver more control at the touch of a button when pulling away on slippery surfaces and extending greater control for those who require a more sporting driving experience in corners. EDLC also enhances the sporting driving experience by braking a spinning wheel in tighter corners, thereby enhancing traction and increasing cornering speed.

The final flourish of this Sport Pack is provided by the lightweight 17 inch John Cooper Works Cross Spoke alloy wheels. The Pack is available in eight body colours.

Additionally, there are now some attractive John Cooper Works Accessory retrofit additions available exclusively for MINI Cooper S in Hatch, Clubman and Convertible form. These include performance-enhanced engine management and a specially-designed air filter system to maximise the twin-scroll turbo engine output at 200hp (from 184hp) and 250 Nm of torque, with 270Nm using Overboost. The kit also includes a sports exhaust silencer that delivers a more rorty engine note, and the option of 18 inch Cross Spoke Red Stripe alloy wheels.

MINI Sport Pack Pricing:

MINI One/One D Hatch

£2995

MINI Cooper/Cooper D Hatch

£3245

MINI Cooper S/Cooper SD Hatch

£2260

MINI One Convertible

£2785

MINI Cooper/Cooper D Convertible

£2995

MINI Cooper S/Cooper SD Convertible

£2150

Special editions from London TownFrom March 2011 all MINI Special Editions will be named after London boroughs, districts and landmarks, the first of these is the MINI Clubman Hampton, named after Hampton Court.

MINI Clubman HamptonThe MINI Clubman Hampton is painted in Reef Blue Metallic, a colour specially developed for this edition, with black roof and rear door surrounds. Exclusive black Lounge Leather seats are edged in Damson Red piping and feature a seat tag with an ‘H’ seat tag. The Damson colour theme is repeated on the bonnet stripes, a pinstripe around the mirror caps and in the piping and stitching on the floor mats to highlight the satellite Grey or Carbon Black colour line and the Anthracite headlining. The instrument faces are in Anthracite, like JCW models, while the Central Speedo is also surrounded by a Damson Red ring.

All Hampton editions are fitted as standard with the CHILI pack which includes automatic climate control, on-board computer, Bluetooth with USB Audio, fog lamps, a sports leather steering wheel, a light package and a storage pack. In addition all models feature exclusive 17" Twin Spoke alloy wheels with centre caps incorporating a Damson Red lining (wheels in Silver or Black), Bi-Xenon headlights with black interior reflectors and MINI 50 Hampton badging on the door sills, side indicator surrounds and the B pillar and front grille. The MINI 50 Hampton lettering on the the door entry strips recalls the introduction five decades ago of an additional bodywork version on the classic Mini, which today ranks as the historic predecessor of the MINI Clubman.

On the Road Prices for the MINI Clubman Hampton models are:

Cooper Hampton

£20,360

Cooper D Hampton

£21,710

Cooper D Clubman Hampton Auto

£22,905

Cooper S Clubman Hampton

£22,445

Cooper SD Clubman Hampton

£23,185

MINI PimlicoFollowing the success of the MINI Graphite Special Edition in 2009/2010, a new MINI Hatch special edition will go on sale in the UK for 12 months from March 2011. The MINI Pimlico models will feature as standard exclusive Laser Bule metallic paint, previously only available on MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works, 16’’ twin spoke alloy wheels, Piano Black interior trim, white indicators and MINI Pimlico special edition badging.

On the Road Prices for the MINI Pimlico models are:

MINI One Pimlico

£14,465

MINI One D Pimlico

£15,545

MINI Cooper Pimlico

£15,995

MINI Cooper D Pimlico

£17,295

MINI Cooper D Auto Pimlico

£18,490

Further March Changes:The new 2 litre engine and optional automatic gearbox will be fitted to the Cooper D models from March 2011, although power and torque outputs will remain at former values.

Sparkling Silver and Pure Silver will no longer be available as paint finishes across the MINI range, being replaced with Velvet Silver and Ice Blue.